Global Cannabis Connect: Ohio Edition
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Happy Hour Networking Event
You're invited to an evening of cannabis expert speakers and networking at the Global Cannabis Connect: Ohio Edition! This event is tailored for cannabis entrepreneurs, enthusiasts, and industry professionals looking to connect, learn, and thrive in the evolving cannabis landscape.
Tuesday, December 5th
5:30 PM - 8:30 PM ET
Ohio Brewing Company - Columbus
421 E. 2nd Ave. Columbus, OH 43201
Get your free ticket now, which comes with a free digital subscription
to Global Cannabis Times magazine.
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Jamie CallenderOhio State Rep. for District 57
State Representative Jamie Callender is currently serving his third term in the Ohio House of Representatives. He represents the 57th House District, which includes the majority of Lake County. Representative Callender has an extensive record of service to Lake County, volunteering with a variety of organizations and serving on several boards, including the Lake County Historical Society. He served as a trustee on the Mentor Public Library Board, where he worked to improve the library, making it more efficient and increasing circulation. Callender previously served four two-year terms in the Ohio House of Representatives, earning accolades for his work ethic, his Republican leadership and his advocacy for Lake County. He received the NRA’s Defender of the 2nd Amendment Award for his efforts to protect our constitutional rights and was a two-time winner of the Watchdog of the Treasury Award. He was also widely regarded for his leadership for Ohio’s schools. His efforts included work to improve academic achievement and improve school accountability while lessoning the reliance on property taxes. He worked to increase parental involvement in the education of their children and worked to give low income families more options in the education of their children. After growing up in Concord Township and graduating from Mentor High School, Rep. Callender received his undergraduate degree from Cleveland State University and earned his law degree from Cleveland-Marshall College of Law. Callender continues to practice law at a small law office in Lake County and has taught at Kent State University for more than 12 years. |
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Juanita O. BrentOhio State Rep. for District 22
Representative Brent is in her third term as a legislator and is honored to continue representing and fighting for the people of District 22. In the 133rd General Assembly, Representative Brent authored House Bill 285, Establish Driver’s License Reinstatement Fee Debt Reduction Program. This bill became law in 2020, and now helps thousands of Ohioans have a pathway to removing suspended driver’s licenses. Currently, she serves as Ranking Member of the Agriculture Committee, while also sitting on Energy and Natural Resources, Commerce and Labor, Homeland Security, and Transportation Committees. In addition, she is the First Vice-President of the Ohio Legislative Black Caucus, which is the oldest Black Caucus in the nation. In all of these spaces, she works to introduce legislation that prioritizes justice and equity including: adult-use cannabis, the C.R.O.W.N (Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair) Act, the Kinship Care Bill of Rights, the John Lewis Voting Rights Act, the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, Juneteenth as a paid holiday, and many more. Prior to becoming a legislator, Representative Brent sat on the board of trustees for the Harvard Community Services Center and the Lee-Harvard Community Development Corporation. She brings this experience of building and organizing strong communities to her work in Columbus. |
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Bill Williams Jr.President and CEO, BeneLeaves
Bill Williams Jr. is currently the President of BeneLeaves. BeneLeaves is a medical cannabis processor in Columbus, OH. BeneLeaves strives to create deep connections with Ohio patients, manufacturing high quality, cannabis based medical alternatives that promote health and wellness. BeneLeaves makes vape cartridges, gummies, lotions, capsules and even gluten free cookies. Bill previously was the Director of National Sales for Glory Foods. From seed to shelf he was involved and helped build this national brand. He was responsible for managing the sales and marketing of Glory Foods products to all supermarket customers throughout the United States. Prior to its sale to McCall Farms, Glory Foods doubled in size from $35M to $70M in revenue during the 2009 2011 timeframe and expanded the retail footprint by nearly 400%. 2015 sales estimated at $95M. Before Glory Foods, Bill held several positions with Coca Cola New England in Needham, Massachusetts where he led his team to regain business in the inner city of Boston, an area that was historically a Pepsi dominated community. Mr. Williams studied Economics at Boston University in Boston, Massachusetts. Bill is also a graduate of Business Management program at Fisher College of Business at The Ohio State University. |
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Tim JohnsonFounder and Consultant, Cannabis Safety First
Tim Johnson is an Air Force Veteran, Retired LEO, Safety Security Specialist/Trainer, Government Affairs, Legislative Advisor, Risk Management, Community Outreach, Cannabis Patient/Veteran Advocate, Criminal Justice Reform, Drug Policy Reform, Law Enforcement Reform, and Civil Justice Reform advocate. |
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Lenny BerryFounder and CEO, Ohio Cannabis Health & Business Summit
With over 30 years of experience in marketing, promotions, and brand management, he developed a passion and expertise for the cannabis industry. Lenny Barry is the founder of Ohio Cannabis Health & Business Summit, a premier event that connects consumers and professionals in the medical cannabis and hemp sectors. His mission is to educate, inspire, and empower attendees with the latest information, trends, and opportunities in this emerging and dynamic industry. He leverages his extensive network and knowledge of cannabis cultivation, processing, manufacturing, real estate, and consumer/lifestyle strategies to create a unique and valuable conference experience. He also partners with other industry leaders and organizations to promote best practices, innovation, and collaboration in the cannabis space. |
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David MarksDirector of Security and Safety, FarmaceuticalRx
Innovative senior-level security professional, he has amassed a prolific career in managing sensitive, high-profile security matters with confidence and professionalism. Recognized for serving organizations as the subject matter expert (SME) in physical security, investigations, workplace violence/active shooter, and executive protection. Additionally, he serves as a visionary able to address big picture and situational perspective and detail. His communicative leadership style enables him to skillfully work with all decision makers and stakeholders with a focus on achieve mutually beneficial results through the lenses of safety and security. |
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Jordan TrittCo-Founder & CEO, Panther Group
Jordan Tritt is the CEO and Co-Founder of the Panther Group. Jordan serves as Principal and day-to-day manager of two cannabis venture funds and has been investing in the cannabis space since 2014, deploying $30 million across 50 companies. Prior to entering the cannabis industry, Jordan also worked as the CFO, VP of Finance, and Controller for high-growth private companies and venture funds—raising over $30 million. |
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Phil ValvardiManaging Partner, Global Go
Phil Valvardi has spent most of his career leading innovative businesses within the highly regulated financial services industry and more recently in the highly regulated cannabis industry. Most recently, Phil was the CEO of Highroad Consulting Group, a leading cannabis consulting firm. Prior to that, Phil served as CFO at GlobeOne, a financial technology company developing a mobile financial platform. Phil also served as CEO of Maverick Network Solutions and presided over its acquisition by Fiserv. Phil was also President of the MAC Network, one of the largest debit networks in the U.S., which was sold to Concord EFS/First Data for approximately $900 million. Early in his career he held executive positions in the payments and financial divisions of CoreStates Financial Corp., now part of Wells Fargo Bank. |
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Jim IckesCounsel, Zuber Lawler
Jim Ickes focuses on civil litigation, most often in relation to financial and commercial litigation, as well as family law litigation. Mr. Ickes has over 21 years of experience in litigation, including experience in all phases of litigation, from pre-complaint strategy through trial and appeal. He often works in highly regulated industries. Mr. Ickes has a particularly deep interest in emerging industries and technologies, including legalized cannabis and blockchain. Mr. Ickes is a HCISPP (Healthcare Information Security and Privacy Practitioner) and builds HIPAA compliance programs for his clients in the healthcare and medical cannabis industries. Mr. Ickes’ comprehensive understanding of the intricacies of these sectors enables him to provide clients with invaluable guidance on maintaining privacy and security standards in ever-evolving legal and regulatory landscapes. |
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Janet JackimPartner, Zuber Lawler
Janet Jackim, recognized nationwide by Chambers USA, is an experienced leader for all kinds of matters related to the cannabis industry. She handled the acquisition of cannabis operations across the nation and represented clients in relation to cannabis dispensary certificate applications, buyout transactions, business restructuring and partner dispute resolution. Ms. Jackim’s clients include multistate operators, dispensaries, producers, cultivators, investors, lenders, landlords, tenants and vendors. Ms. Jackim obtained her J.D., cum laude, from Loyola University Chicago School of Law, and her B.A., with honors, from Indiana University. |
About Global Go:
Global Go LLC provides sophisticated consulting services to the global cannabis and hemp industry. Powered by our technology platform, team of cannabis industry pioneers and world-class consultants, Global Go helps leading cannabis businesses evolve and succeed. We support government regulators, financial institutions, Tribal Nations, and licensed cannabis operators. Global Go specializes in cannabis licensing and applications (99% success-rate over hundreds of applications), compliance automation, inventory, SOPs, mergers and acquisitions, strategic planning, new product launches, technology, security, and best practices.